QIAcube from Qiagen

January 31, 2013

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University of Virginia
Infectious Diseases
Laboratory and Research Specialist
qPCR amplification of Bacteroides DNA extracted from mouse stools using the QIAGEN QIAcube (qPCR performed on Bio-Rad CFX 1000)

Company:

Qiagen

Product Name:

QIAcube

Catalog Number:

9001292

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Much of our research involves quantitative microbe detection from stools shed by mice – either pathogen or intestinal flora. Our lab routinely has a large number of samples (approx. 50-100 per day) which need to have total DNA extracted for further qPCR quantification. This is a tedious and time consuming process when done manually. The QIAcube is an automated system which can extract DNA or RNA from up to 12 samples simultaneously, reducing the amount of time a researcher needs to spend loading samples and washing columns.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Tips

It is best to wait for the machine to finish confirming it has all of the parts and reagents it needs to begin a run before you leave to do something else: if something is not going to work during the run, most likely it will be because of a missing reagent or pipette tip. It’s also important to load the samples into the machine using 2 µL microcentrifuge tubes rather than 1.5 µL tubes – the machine will not be able to complete a run since the pipette tips the machine uses will be jammed into the bottom of the 1.5 µL tubes and the run will stop. It is important to make sure your sample is completely homogenized before loading and that there isn’t any debris – a piece of collagen from a tissue extraction can clog the pipette tip or the filter.

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qPCR amplification of Bacteroides DNA extracted from mouse stools using the QIAGEN QIAcube (qPCR performed on Bio-Rad CFX 1000)

Summary

The Good

Compact, does not require an external PC to use, automation of a tedious process.

The Bad

Can only run 12 samples at a time; must purchase disposable rotor adaptors and pipette tips from Qiagen, machine must be watched as a run starts to make sure there are no problems.

The Bottom Line

This device is worth serious consideration if you perform extractions on a regular basis.

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